Avery Anne Guerra is the daughter of Ricky and Jennifer Guerra of Groves, TX. She danced into our lives on Flag Day, June 14, 2004. She was born with a complex Congenital Heart Defect. At nine months of age, Avery underwent open-heart surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston to repair a hole in her heart. The surgery was a success, but because her mitral valve did not function properly, she did not thrive as a healthy child should. At three years old, Avery’s cardiologist informed her family that she would not survive unless she underwent open-heart surgery to replace her mitral valve. The doctors also told her family that there was a good chance that she would not survive the surgery. The smallest valve available in the medical community was still too big for Avery’s heart. God performed yet another miracle in Avery’s life and the second surgery was a complete success.

Avery finally began to grow and live her life as a healthy child. The last year of Avery’s life was truly wonderful: She attended Pre-School at The School of Montessori, took dance classes at Debbie’s Dance Etc., went to see “The Little Mermaid” on Broadway in New York, performed in her 2nd dance recital and celebrated her 4th birthday at Disney World! Unfortunately, in the latter part of June 2008, Avery suddenly became ill with an infection. The infection was too much for her weakened heart to endure. Avery passed away at Texas Children’s Hospital on July 2, 2008.

In Avery’s 4 short years she touched so many lives, not only in Groves, but also all over the state of Texas and beyond. Through all the hospitalizations, pain and suffering she endured, she never once complained or asked why. She faced her heart disease with grace, courage, and inner strength.

All those who knew Avery will be forever grateful for her life and the lessons she taught them. It’s her family’s prayer that The Avery Anne Guerra Foundation will provide ongoing positive significance for Avery’s abundant life

The Avery Anne Guerra Memorial Foundation was founded to ensure that Avery would be remembered for her bravery, strength and faith, as she lived with and daily fought the challenges presented by her congenital heart defect (CHD). The foundation honors Avery by providing college scholarships to high school seniors. The foundation also provides financial support, as needed, to help families in our community that have children with heart defects such as Avery’s. Our hope is that through this effort we can honor Avery’s precious life and raise awareness for the fight against Congenital Heart Defects. Each year on the 1st Saturday in April the City of Groves comes together to celebrate “Avery Anne Guerra Day” which is devoted to remembering Avery and raising proceeds to benefit Avery’s Foundation.

The Avery Anne Guerra Foundation is proud to annouce that since 2008, we have given over $200,000 in scholarships to high school graduates and to local familes whose children are fighting against CHD.

Interested in making a donation? Please click below.

All donations are tax deductible. We thank you for your support.